Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM vs Canon RF 70–200mm F2.8 L IS USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM compared with RF 70–200mm F2.8 L IS USM
CanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USMCanonRF 70–200mm F2.8 L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2018November 2019
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical construction23 elements in 19 groups; retains the optical layout of the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USMSeventeen elements in thirteen groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and five UD elementsThree UD, one Super UD, one aspherical UD and one glass-moulded aspherical element; fluorine coatings on front and rear elements
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and revised optical coatings; fluorine coating on front and rear element surfaces–
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureNine circular-aperture blades
Angle of viewDiagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R bodies; RF extenders not compatible
Teleconverter supportEF1.4X III gives 98–280 mm f/4 and 0.30× maximum magnification; EF2X III gives 140–400 mm f/5.6 and 0.44×; autofocus remains available but is slower–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.2 m0.7 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.23×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfwayDual Nano USM drives focus and floating lens groups independently; electronic floating focus system
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mmMinimum focus 0.7 m
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.23× at 200 mm
Stabilisation detailUp to 3.5 stops under CIPA testing at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; Mode 1 for still subjects and Mode 2 for panning; Canon notes tripod results depend on the tripod and shooting conditionsOptical IS rated five stops under CIPA; three modes for general use, panning and exposure-only stabilisation
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter88.8 mm89.9 mm
Length199 mm146 mm
Weight1,480 g1,070 g (better)
ControlsAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 2.5 m–infinityZoom, electronic manual-focus and customisable control rings; focus limiter with full or 2.5 m–infinity range; AF/MF, IS on/off and three IS mode switches; zoom lock at 70 mm
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length (Digital Camera World)Extending barrel with 146 mm retracted length at 70 mm
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mountDust and water resistant construction; Canon states this cannot completely prevent dust or droplets entering
Dimensions detail88.8 mm maximum diameter × 199 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front; add 24.2 mm for front and rear capsApproximately 89.9 mm maximum diameter × 146 mm length, retracted
Weight detailApproximately 1,480 g lens only according to Canon's instruction manual, UK store and Camera Museum; a Canon USA one-page specification chart instead lists approximately 1,440 gApproximately 1,070 g lens
Tripod mountIncluded removable rotating B (W II) tripod mount ring; detach the lens from the camera before removing the collarRemovable Tripod Mount Ring E (WIII), included
Lens hoodET-87, with release button and reversible mounting for storageET-83F (WIII) hood included, with filter-adjustment window
In the boxET-87 hood and LZ1326 lens case according to the UK store; tripod mount ring included according to Canon's instruction manualLens, E-77 II front cap, RF dust cap, ET-83F hood, LP1424 drawstring case, Tripod Mount Ring E (WIII) and user manual
Release detailMarketed in September 2018 according to Canon Camera Museum; Canon USA's 7 June announcement had scheduled US shipping for August 2018November 2019 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

More comparisons